BIOGRAPHY OF ANDREW O. CLARKE, ESQUIRE

Andrew Clarke is a nationally recognized trial attorney and Managing Partner of District Legal Group, a full-service law firm based in Washington, D.C. Renowned for his tenacity, courtroom acumen, and unwavering commitment to justice, Andrew has built a career defending civil rights, championing marginalized communities, and dismantling systemic inequities.


A native of Westchester County, New York, and a proud first-generation Jamaican-American, Andrew is a second-generation lawyer who inherited a profound devotion to advocacy. He earned his J.D. from The George Washington University Law School, then embarked on his legal journey clerking for judges at the Arlington County Circuit Court. After honing his skills in commercial litigation, he launched his own firm in 2016, specializing in civil litigation, criminal defense, and personal injury.


Major Career Milestones

  • National spotlight in 2017: Andrew rose to prominence in the J/20 protest cases by uncovering significant withheld evidence, leading to the dismissal of charges against over 60 defendants. Since then, he's earned acclaim for securing full acquittals in high-stakes criminal trials.
  • Defender of civil rights: During the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, Andrew successfully overturned an unconstitutional curfew. He has argued—and prevailed—before the Supreme Court of Maryland and gained national attention for his work on police shooting cases.
  • Record-setting 2024: He secured five not-guilty verdicts in critical criminal cases and prevented a client from facing a mandatory 30-year federal sentence.
  • TV Personality: Andrew is a frequent guest on Roland Martin Unfiltered.


Honors & Recognition


Named “Up & Coming Lawyer” by Virginia Lawyers Weekly in 2022, recognizing standout performance among attorneys in their first decade of practice.


Selected among the National Bar Association’s “Top 40 Under 40” Class of 2025, marking him as one of the nation’s most promising legal minds.


Leadership & Community Impact


Today, Andrew serves as President of the Northern Virginia Black Attorneys Association (NOVABAA), steering meaningful change in the legal profession. His blend of strategic leadership, advocacy, and trailblazing success continues to shape both his community and clients’ lives.


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